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Rockies-Brewers Preview

Jun 10, 2009 - 6:51 AM By KATE HEDLIN STATS Writer

Colorado (26-32) at Milwaukee (33-25), 8:05 p.m. EDT

The Colorado Rockies didn't face much of a challenge in the first five games of their winning streak. In their last contest, however, they showed they can win the close ones too.

The Rockies look extend their run to a season-high seven Wednesday night when they continue a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Colorado (26-32) won its sixth straight Tuesday, beating Milwaukee 3-2 after scoring three runs in the seventh inning. The Rockies had outscored their opponents 43-12 in the first five games of the streak and had trailed for a total of four innings.

On Tuesday, Colorado faced an early second-inning deficit before Carlos Gonzalez, Dexter Fowler and Clint Barmes each had an RBI in the decisive rally.

"The great thing about the last eight to 10 days is that they're having success and their confidence is growing," said Rockies manager Jim Tracy, who took over for Clint Hurdle on May 29. "We're young, but we also have great veteran leadership."

The winning streak is its longest since an 11-game run in September 2007 en route to winning the NL pennant. Colorado's starters have won all six games while posting a 2.55 ERA.

The slumping Brewers, meanwhile, have lost their last two and five of eight. The bullpen has blown saves in both losses, with Todd Coffey the culprit Tuesday after Carlos Villanueva failed to protect a two-run lead against Atlanta on Sunday. The Brewers have 11 blown saves in 31 chances - fourth-most in the NL.

"Our bullpen has pitched very well," Brewers manager Ken Macha said. "And they aren't going to do that all year."

Milwaukee's offense didn't provide much help, coming up with only five hits, including a homer by rookie Mat Gamel.

Mike Cameron played despite being given a two-game suspension by Major League Baseball prior to the game for making contact with an umpire in Sunday's game against the Braves. He was 0 for 4 with two strikeouts.

Cameron, who was also fined an undisclosed amount, is appealing the decision.

"I didn't bump him," said the center fielder, who is 2 for 18 with 10 strikeouts in his last five games. "He came to me. And that's it. I'm not going to talk about it any more."

The Brewers will try to bounce back behind Dave Bush (3-2, 4.52 ERA), who has lost his last two decisions. He gave up four runs over six innings of a 4-3 loss at Florida on Thursday.

The right-hander is 2-1 with a 2.50 ERA in three starts against the Rockies. He pitched eight innings against them at home last July, allowing one unearned run while striking out a career-high 13 in the 11-1 victory.

Colorado will counter with Jorge De La Rosa (1-6, 5.28), who is coming off his first victory.

De La Rosa, who started his major league career with the Brewers in 2004, snapped a three-game losing streak Friday at St. Louis after allowing three runs over 6 2-3 innings of an 11-4 win.

The Rockies had provided De La Rosa just two runs of support over his last five starts, during which he was 0-4 with a 7.00 ERA.

The left-hander 0-2 in two starts and one relief appearance against Milwaukee. He's allowed 14 runs and 19 hits over 9 2-3 innings.